“Ben Whittaker fights Suarez, who’s a big power puncher. This is a big moment for Ben, a big run, because if he’s successful on Saturday, he’ll go on the Boots against Xander card for his American debut,” Hearn said on the Ariel Helwani show.
Whittaker is scheduled to face Braian Suarez, a bout Hearn described as a necessary step before the move. The two headlines at the Liverpool Arena in Liverpool, England. The card will be broadcast on DAZN.
No opponent has been named for Whittaker’s potential appearance on the Ennis-Zayas card. The plan, as stated, is tied entirely to the result against Suarez, with the next stage already set if he advances.
After the technical draw with Liam Cameron last year, the goal is clearly to rebuild that aura of invincibility. David Morrell isn’t considered an option.
Hearn’s strategy seems to be finding opponents who have just enough of a record to look legitimate on a poster but lack the footwork or defensive IQ to stop Whittaker from showboating.
Since the U.S. debut is set for the Ennis-Zayas card on June 27, Hearn will likely look for a style-plus matchup. You want someone who has a recognizable name to hardcore fans. To help sell the local New York market, a gatekeeper from the East Coast would be the classic move.
If they want to keep Whittaker moving but safe, look at names in that top 15–25 range of the WBC or WBO rankings.
- Richard Rivera
- Jesse Hart
- Ahmed Elbiali
Hearn mentioned that he loves domestic UK fights because they sell, but for America, he’s admitted he won’t use the UK guys like Dan Azeez or Craig Richards yet. He needs Whittaker to light up the undercard, which usually means a first- or second-round highlight reel knockout.
Suarez is the perfect example of the danger, but not really an opponent this Saturday. His record looks scary, but he’s been stopped before. If Whittaker dances through him, expect a similar paper tiger for Brooklyn.
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